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Bulletin of Geography. Physical Geography Series

A universal soil classification system from the perspective of the General Theory of Classification: a review
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A universal soil classification system from the perspective of the General Theory of Classification: a review

Authors

  • Aleksandra Aleksandrovna Nikiforova Lomonosov Moscow State University
  • Maria E. Fleis

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2478/bgeo-2018-0001

Keywords

soil definition, essential character of soils, genetic classification, morphological classification, WRB

Abstract

The paper addresses issues of the application of the General Theory of Classification in the development of a universal soil classification system. Requirements for such a system, the comparison of different approaches to its development, and obstacles on the way to it are outlined. Besides, the problem of the definition of soils and importance of distinguishing between differentiating and diagnostic criteria are discussed. It is shown that, from the perspective of the General Theory of Classification, a universal soil classification system should be natural, genetic, “fundamental-and-specific”, and hierarchical. It is concluded that the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) does not meet these requirements and therefore cannot be considered as universal. The ways of addressing the problems of a universal soil classification system are suggested.

Author Biography

Aleksandra Aleksandrovna Nikiforova, Lomonosov Moscow State University

Faculty of Soil Science, research scientist

References

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Bulletin of Geography. Physical Geography Series

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Published

2018-05-18

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1.
NIKIFOROVA, Aleksandra Aleksandrovna and FLEIS, Maria E. A universal soil classification system from the perspective of the General Theory of Classification: a review. Bulletin of Geography. Physical Geography Series. Online. 18 May 2018. No. 14, pp. 5-13. [Accessed 21 May 2025]. DOI 10.2478/bgeo-2018-0001.
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